The current military retirement system has been integral to sustaining the All Volunteer Force (AVF). Mounting federal budget challenges, however, have raised concern that the program may become fiscally unsustainable. While several restructuring proposals have emerged, none have considered the implications of these changes to the broader issue of manning an AVF. Changes to the existing system could create military personnel shortfalls, adversely affect servicemember and retiree wellbeing, and reduce public confidence in the Armed Forces. With the right analytical framework in place, however, a more holistic system restructuring is possible, one that avoids these negative effects while significantly reducing costs. A comprehensive framework is provided, as well as a proposal that stands to benefit both servicemembers in terms of value and the military in terms of overall cost savings.

U.S. light vehicle demand has recovered to near pre-recession levels; in fact, June’s seasonally adjusted annual sales rate of almost 16 million vehicles was the highest since 2007. Assembly of light vehicles in the U.S. has also returned to near pre-recession levels. These figures show a remarkable turnaround from just four years ago, when the industry’s major domestically owned firms were bankrupt. The U.S. auto industry has fundamental strengths in demand, quality, and innovation. However, other nations are not standing still, leading to a growing U.S. trade deficit in autos. In particular, Mexico accounts for 26% of the U.S. trade deficit in passenger vehicles and parts (33% if heavy trucks are included). Germany accounts for another 16% of our auto trade deficit, despite significantly higher wages than in the U.S.. Both of these nations could be partners as well as rivals. In particular, having Mexico and the U.S. each specialize in what it does best could mean more total U.S. employment in the industry, by making the overall North American industry more competitive. Policy could play a role in avoiding a race to the bottom, and instead promote growth that leads to higher wages and more innovation on both sides of the border.

Four years after the recession officially ended, the economic recovery remains a long way off in the view of many Americans. A new survey by the Pew Research Center, conducted July 17-21 among 1,480 adults, finds that 44% say it will be a long time before the nation’s economy recovers. Smaller percentages say either the economy already is recovering (28%) or will recover soon (26%). These opinions are little changed from March. But last October, shortly before the presidential election, fewer Americans (36%) said it would be a long time before the economy recovers. [Note: contains copyrighted material].

While taxation of overseas profits of U.S. multinational corporations has made the headlines lately, U.S. citizens who work overseas also face special rules. Unlike most countries, the United States requires that its citizens pay tax on their worldwide income (with a credit for foreign taxes paid), even when they are residing elsewhere. But the United States also allows its citizens who reside abroad exclusion for the first $97,600 of their foreign earned income and a special housing allowance. [Note: contains copyrighted material].

The study gives a compelling look at how today’s families view higher education, manage higher education costs, and tap a variety of funding sources. This year’s study finds that families are adjusting to a new post-recession reality to pay for college. [Note: contains copyrighted material].

The report seeks to increase understanding of the responsibility to protect (R2P), assess how the concept has worked in relevant cases, and identify concrete steps to bolster the will and capacity of U.S. decision makers to respond in a timely manner to threats of genocide, crimes against humanity, and other mass atrocities. [Note: contains copyrighted material].

Portions of all 50 states and the District of Columbia are vulnerable to earthquake hazards, although risks vary greatly across the country and within individual states. Seismic hazards are greatest in the western United States, particularly in California, Washington, Oregon, and Alaska and Hawaii. California has more citizens and infrastructure at risk than any other state because of the state’s frequent seismic activity combined with its large population and developed infrastructure. The United States faces the possibility of large economic losses from earthquake-damaged buildings and infrastructure. The Federal Emergency Management Agency has estimated that earthquakes cost the United States, on average, over $5 billion per year.